Disciple

Introduction

Discipleship is something we are giving particular attention to in our preaching and our scripture readings this year.

What is discipleship? What does it mean? What does it look like? How much is required of me?

These are the kind of questions we will be looking at this evening.

The Meaning

The simplest meaning is a student:

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Disciple > Dd

Someone who follows another person or another way of life and who submits himself to the discipline (teaching) of that leader or way.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Disciple

one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another

“a pupil”

Discipleship was a common vocation in the first century (Lk. 5:33).

We don’t have this today.

But it carries the idea of discipline (way of life).

Apprentice would be similar but we hardly even have that anymore.

A disciple felt and was held responsible for the actions of his teacher (Matt. 9:11).

This is distinct from normal teacher pupil relationships today.

We feel this with very few or even no relationships today.

This was a much tighter connection than we are used to forming.

Imitation

The goal of a disciple is to become like his teacher (Lk. 6:40).

In most of our teaching relationships, the value of the differences are highlighted.

“Diversity is our strength”

Trying to be like someone else is almost always presented in the negative and “be yourself” is given as the highest good.

We want to be conformists (Rom. 8:29; cf. Rom. 12:1-2).

Non-conformists are praised for simply being different.

Uniqueness is the goal.

But different from what?

Different from the world yes, but not different from Christ.

Like Christ is what we want to be.

It is not an easy thing to accomplish (Jn. 6:59-66).

Too many ask (and answer) WWJD while assuming He would do pretty much what they want to do.

If the answer is always comfortable and never challenging, then you are probably ultimately only following yourself.

We must be disciples if we are going to be able to make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20; 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9).

The Cost

Jesus never hid the cost of discipleship (Lk. 9:57-62).

Many are shocked to find out how high the cost actually is (Lk. 14:26-33; 18:18-23).

Some cry out that it shouldn’t be so hard (cf. Matt. 11:28-30).

The weight or cost is not lessened in terms of what is demanded.

It is lessened in how easy it becomes to give what is demanded (Acts 5:40-41).

“They make it look easy”

“Effortless” book

Conclusion

Christian was a word that got coined by people looking at followers of Christ and giving them that description.

Can people see Him in your life?

Do you want your life to look like His?